July 3, 2024 |
SOUTHEAST ASIA ROUNDUP

 

By API Desk | Date 07-03-2024

 

Indonesia observes rise in Islamist radicalization

Indonesia has seen an increasing trend in Islamist militancy that could affect its domestic security, said the head of the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT)

BNPT head Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahniel told the House of Representatives (DPR) that while there have been no terror attacks in the last 12 months, militants have pursued a softer approach by radicalizing locals in remote villages. 

There was a noted steep rise in arrest of suspected terrorists this year, as well as increase of fundraising activities and donation boxes being set up in several locations. 

Dahniel said that the change in tactic was due to the Indonesian community’s dislike for violence.

 

Singapore remains a terrorist target – law and home affairs minister

The city-state’s law and home minister warned Singapore to stay vigilant as it remains to be a “a very important target” for terrorists.

Minister K. Shanmugam pointed to the recent arrest of terrorists in  Malaysia as a reminder for Singapore as their “security is closely linked to Malaysia’s security.” 

He added that the presence of the Islamic State’s (ISIS) ideology in the region and attackers using easily available items further increases the threat.

Singapore has already adopted measures to fortify its security, especially in cross-border movement, and closely cooperates with foreign partners. 

“Extremist narratives have radicalized many individuals, including here in Singapore. As long as these ideologies persist, it will continue to inspire attacks,” Shanmugam said.

 

Pyongyang slams creation of NATO-like blocking in Asia

North Korea has slammed a large-scale joint military exercise led by the United States, Japan, and South Korea, claiming that they are creating an Asian version of NATO.

The drills, called “Freedom Edge”, sought to boost defenses against missiles, submarines, and air attacks from North Korea. The three countries held a joint naval exercise to improve responses to North Korean threats last year. 

In a statement, Pyongyang’s foreign ministry said Washington was attempting to link South Korea and Japan to NATO, with Seoul’s efforts to supply Ukraine with weapons as part of the deal. 

South Korean and the United States also accused Pyongyang of supplying weapons to Russia which are used in its war with Ukraine, which both countries deny. . 

South Korea and the United States have been accusing Pyongyang of supplying weapons to Russia that are being used in the Ukraine war. Both Russia and North Korea deny any such accusations.

 

US not ready to expand AUKUS

A senior Australian diplomat said the US Congress has been lukewarm to proposals to expand the membership of the alliance among Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Paul Myler, deputy head of mission at Australia’s embassy in Washington, said during an Atlantic Council think tank event in Washington that adding more partners to the process is complicated.  

The AUKUS alliance, formed in 2021 in a bid to counter China’s growing power, received interested from other countries in the region who expressed interest to join. 

Myler added the AUKUS partners had been talking to Japan about what might be possible in terms of collaboration but this does not mean an invitation for Japan to join AUKUS.

At the end of April, the U.S. State Department unveiled a plan to reduce licensing requirements for transferring military gear and sensitive technology among AUKUS partners.